ODPS LEADS OHIO’S EFFORTS IN
NATIONAL SEAT BELT MOBILIZATION
Yearly Click It or Ticket Enforcement Starts May 19
The Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) is joining law enforcement agencies and highway safety partners to participate in a national seat belt safety mobilization aimed at increasing public awareness of the importance of the proper use of seat belts. This year’s campaign focuses on convincing more motorists to buckle up – day and night.
In 2007, there were 482 fatalities on Ohio’s roads where motorists or passengers were unbelted, an increase from 457 fatalities where motorists were unbelted in 2006. Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that in 2006, 15,046 passenger vehicle occupants died in traffic crashes between the nighttime hours of 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m., and 64 percent of those killed were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the fatal crashes.
Throughout the mobilization, the Department’s Governor’s Highway Safety Office (GHSO) is supporting state and regional efforts for the campaign.
Observational seat belt surveys conducted last year show Ohio’s overall seat belt usage rate was nearly identical to 2006’s rate of about 82 percent. The surveys also show seat belt use is lowest among the following segments of Ohio’s population: the southeast region of the state, pick up truck drivers and passengers, male drivers and passengers, and drivers and passengers between the ages of 15 and 25. ODPS is working to focus efforts to increase seat belt use in these areas to help save lives and reach the statewide usage rate goal of 85 percent.
Each year, GHSO distributes approximately $7.5 million in federal funds to law enforcement grantees, Safe Community organizations and other organizations addressing traffic safety to conduct enforcement and awareness efforts aimed at reducing traffic fatalities, increasing seat belt usage and decreasing the number of alcohol-related fatal crashes. Around the state, GHSO grantees will be holding kick off events to raise awareness for the Click It or Ticket campaign.
10 Reasons for Not Buckling Up
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